Everest Base Camp Trek - Nepal Trekking Holiday

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 89 reviews.

Paul Green
EVEREST BASE CAMP

Written May 2012
This was my second Exodus trek to EBC. Another brilliant trek, excellent guides and sherpa's.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Actually camping and experiencing EBC with other climbing teams. Summiting Kala Pattar, and Nantkarshang, both over 5100m mountains.
What did you think of your group leader?
Val Parkinson - what can I say that hasn't been said already? Her enthusiasm for the Himalaya is infectious, Valerie is never to tired or otherwise occupied, to answer questions and talk about her experiences. She clearly cares about the Sherpa staff we had with us, and is clearly very popular with the Nepalese lodge owners, who all know her by name; the three sherpa's - Chewang, Lapka and Yuba were superb, and great company.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Lots - go slowly, you will get there; drink plenty of water, at least 4 litres a day. Last time I did this I didn't drink enough and struggled.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The holdalls provided are not fit for purpose, mine ripped before I had booked it into Heathrow. The strap came away and tore the fabric. Why not have some bags made to the same standard as Mountain Equipment holdalls, saw loads on thetrek, have one myself, never let me down.
The luggage label for life - isn't. Mine broke, as did nearly everyone else's.
We saw lots of other trekkers, identifiable by their hats, T-shirts, etc, all with their travel companies logo's emblazoned on them; how good would your trekkers look at Base Camp all wearing an Exodus T shirt.
Also, a distinct travel label for hand luggage would be good, as fellow Exodus travellers can identify one another at the point of departure.
Tracey Fordham
EVEREST BASE CAMP - Expedition Trek 11 - 30 April 2012

Written May 2012
Having dreamed of trekking to Everest Base Camp one day, the chance not only to do so but to sleep there for 2 nights was the main reason for selecting the Expedition Trek. I was not disappointed and would recommend it to anyone. The extra cost is more than worth it for the experience of a lifetime.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were so many moments along the trek that it is hard to pinpoint any particular element of the trip. Anyone who has avidly read any of the books about Everest and her neighbouring peaks or the stories of expedition groups attempting to summit these ranges will be in their element as the trek to Base Camp takes in some of the key areas mentioned in so many of these books. For me, Tengboche Monastery and Namche Bazaar were particularly moving to visit and the fact that we followed the same route Hillary and Tensing took to Base Camp made it even more poignant especially with next year being the 60th anniversary of their summit.
The trek is by no means easy and there are some difficult and steep passes to conquer on the way but this makes the arrival at Base Camp even more of an achievement. There is so much to see along the way, and as you pass through or stay at the various settlements and teahouses you gain a real insight and understanding of Nepalese life and a respect for the local people.
What did you think of your group leader?
We were lead by the amazing Valerie Parkinson, who not only happens to be the Exodus Asia Base Manager, but more impressively, the first British woman to summit Manaslu without oxygen and, in her 50th year, ascended to the South Summit of Everest (8761m).
I had been lucky enough to meet Valerie on two previous occasions at Exodus slide evenings - both after her return from Everest - and knew that if I was going to do this trip, that it should be with Valerie not only to hear her accounts of her time in the mountains but because I knew that I would be in good hands.
Having Valerie as our Leader made the trip even more special as she recounted tales of her many trips in Nepal and India in addition to the amazing story of her time on Everest and Manaslu. There were one or two health issues along the way which she dealt with quickly and professionally with minimum fuss or impact on our holiday experiences. Nothing was too much trouble and she and her team looked after us from the moment we arrived to the day we departed.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you are planning to do this trip:-
do the training beforehand - the trek is not easy, there is difficult terrain to deal with along the way, steep climbs, steep descends, narrow passes and high suspension bridges. On average, you will be walking about 6/7 hours per day and you will be tired by the end of it. Hill walking or steep stair walking would be good to get your leg muscles developed sufficiently.
make sure your boots are broken in and you have the right equipment - it will be hot lower down but it will get very cold further up - don't skimp on the technical clothing. There is a weight allowance which applies to your kit bag on trek (you can carry as much weight yourself in your day pack as you like although I would keep this to the bare essentials - 7 hours of a heavy pack is not fun!) - making sure you have the right technical gear means that when you do have to wear your socks for 3 days straight (oh yes you will!!!!) they will not stink the place out when you take them off!
if you can, get your visa before you go - it saves a long queue at Kathmandu airport
don't forget your sun screen and sunglasses - you will need both of these for most of the trek and in particular at Base Camp where the sun's glare is very strong
pack at least 2 Buff scarves - the terrain gets very dusty along the way - it may not prevent the Khumbu cough but it might help it a little and it will also be invaluable in Kathmandu to stop you inhaling all the car fumes!
go with an open mind and heart - Nepal is an amazing country with the most kind hearted, generous, hard working people - get to know your sirdar, climbing sherpa and the other local team members (including the Yak boy!). Not only will you find out more about the Nepalese culture and way of life but will enhance your holiday experience so much by chatting to them.
keep smiling - there will be times when you question whether this really is a holiday but persevere - you would never return from a fortnight in Spain with the memories, sense of achievement or new friends that you will from this trip.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Enjoy it! I wish I was coming with you!
Douglas Dent

EVEREST BASE CAMP

Written May 2012
A fantastic trek in a great part of the world. Exodus make it so easy as you are well looked after by the staff from start to finish.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The summit of Kala Phatar ( View over to Everest) and the 2 night stay at Base Camp Everest. Seeing the climber on the Khumbu icefall.
What did you think of your group leader?
Lapka was great, paassing on all his knowledge of the area all the way throughout the trek. A mention also for Dawa, Harri and Mingmar for their happy go lucky attitude and the wake up cup of T every morning.
Thanks you guy's n hope to see you all again
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't think about doing it!!! Go and book it as you won't regret it.
Best holiday Ive had
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Look forward to travelling with you again in the future. Thanks
Deborah Pitt

EVEREST BASE CAMP

Written April 2012
Enjoyed every moment of my holiday, an amazing experience
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Meeting our guides father who was on Expedition 53 with Edmund Hilary
Climbing to the top of Kalapatar
Reaching Everest Base Camp
The friends I made in the group
What did you think of your group leader?
Lakpha our group leader was brilliant, he made my holiday special, and looked after everyone in the group.
Andy Allan

EVEREST BASE CAMP

Written April 2012
If you are thinking about booking this trip just do it, this was without doubt the holiday of a lifetime. Age makes little difference with the youngest on our group of 16 being 34 to Mike aged 72, a reasonable level of fitness is required but the pace dictated by the group leader and the acclimatisation stops ensure everyone can reach their full potential and achieve the goal in reaching Everest Base Camp.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
So many from my first sight of Everest, the Sherpa memorial, but for me it had to be reaching base camp with my recently married daughter and son in law.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader, Pasang, was absolutely outstanding, knowledgable, great communicator, caring, inspirational and a first class people person, that said he was supported by an outstanding team with Jetha, Pemba and Cherous being equally encouraging, friendly and efficient.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Just do it!, attain a reasonable level of fitness before going but remember altitude can effect anyone so take on all the advice given by the group leader and his team.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Looked at various trekking organisers before choosing Exodus and with all that I did see out there I made the right choice, just the right number of trekking days but most importantly acclimatisation was given the priority it deserved by the trek leader ensuring everyone on our trip reached their goal.
Lucy McGurnaghan

An experience of a lifetime

Written April 2012
This is without a doubt an experience of a lifetime - hard work but well worth the effort.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There are too many to mention but a few of my favourites would include:
- Reaching Base Camp after nine days of hard slog
- Seeing Everest from the top of Kala Patar
- Meeting our guide's father, the only livinig survivor from the original 1953 summit climb
- Having a fantastic group of fellow trekkers
- The best leader, guide and assistant guides one could ever ask for (Lakpa, Domi, Tikka & Anil)
What did you think of your group leader?
One word - superb!!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This is not an easy trip and a very good level of fitness is necessary (although it is importan to remember that this is completely un-correlated to how, if at all, your body will react to the altitude) but by being prepared (read the trip notes and fellow travellers' reviews well!), having an open mind and whole heap of positive attitude will serve you well. Oh and don't forget to drink lots and lots of water and walk slowly every day!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A fastastic way to see a stunning part of the world!
julie savage

EVEREST BASE CAMP

Written April 2012
I was so excited to be setting off on my EBC holiday at last. the holiday from start to finish not only fulfilled my expectations, it surpassed them. i came home feeling that i had had a wonderful experience. all queries to exodus were dealt with promptly prior to the holiday and our leader Pasang resolved any problems that arose during the holiday with seemingly effortless ease. Nothing was too much trouble for him.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
We were woken early on the morning that we were at Thyenboche to come and look at the view. The sky was a brilliant blue, the air was cold but the sun was out. We were thrilled to get our first view of Everest, nestling behind Nuptse and Lhotse. It was beautiful and I know that that vista will stay in my memory for ever.
What did you think of your group leader?
What can I say about Pasang. His beaming smile met us at the airport after our long, tiring journey. He was entertaining, bright, efficient, helpful, charming and knowlegeable. He assisted us with our many queries throughout our holiday, he gave us good advice and seemingly effortlessly guided us to our destination. I think I can speak for the whole group in saying we felt very lucky indeed to have Pasang along with us.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I would simply reiterate the advice given by exodus. some of the walks are challenging because of the altitude and therefore I would advise potential travellers to get themselves as fit as possible prior to their holiday. although one cannot always avoid altitude sickness, you can cope with the effects if you are fit and well in other respects.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
the holiday was great. I enjoyed the company of the rest of the group, our assistant guides and the yak man were great fun to be with. pasang was wonderful. I even have fond memories of the toilets!